Title: Hong Kong’s Redhill Peninsula Exposes Vulnerability of Luxury Homes Amid Extreme Weather
Subtitle: Recent landslides and flooding in Hong Kong highlight the impact of climate change on construction safety
Date: September 20, 2023
Byline: Hong Kong CNN
Until recently, the Redhill Peninsula in Hong Kong was considered an oasis for the wealthy seeking a tranquil lifestyle amidst the bustling city. However, a storm on September 8 proved that even the most luxury properties can be vulnerable to extreme weather. The heavy rains, the heaviest in nearly 140 years, led to landslides that brought three millionaire homes perilously close to the cliff’s edge, prompting an evacuation. This incident highlights the need for stricter construction standards and resilience to combat the effects of climate change.
Hong Kong’s scorching summer made way for an unprecedented rainfall brought by the second typhoon to hit the city within a week. The storm resulted in two deaths and over a hundred injuries, with metro stations flooded and roads turned into rivers. The chaos reached the upscale Redhill Peninsula, exposing a flaw in the construction principles considered “safe” in the face of climate change.
The Redhill Peninsula, known for its Mediterranean-style homes with stunning sea views, is one of the most expensive neighborhoods in Hong Kong. Property prices here range from $10 million to $20 million for a 2,400-3,600 square foot home and can be rented for up to $20,000 per month. However, the recent landslides have made potential buyers and sellers cautious, raising concerns about potential impacts on property values.
Experts warn that extreme weather events like the September 8 storm will become more frequent, affecting both the rich and the poor. Benny Chan, the president of the Hong Kong Institute of Architects, acknowledged that Hong Kong has had experience building cliffside houses due to its history of typhoons and torrential downpours. However, these experiences may no longer be sufficient in the face of climate change.
Climate scientists emphasize that the city needs to rethink its rain mitigation strategy and revise building standards for hillside developments. Hong Kong’s history of devastating landslides in the 1970s prompted the reinforcement of slopes, making it one of the most resilient places against landslides and floods. However, some engineers argue that safety rules from the past may no longer suffice, especially as some low-rise houses are still built on shallow footings.
Adding further controversy, authorities suspect that some of the affected properties on Redhill Peninsula had unauthorized modifications, potentially violating building codes. Among these modifications are basements, a swimming pool, and a three-story extension. This issue amplifies the perception that the wealthy may not face the same consequences as the less fortunate when it comes to building violations.
As climate change continues to intensify extreme weather patterns, experts urge Hong Kong to prioritize climate resilience in construction and revisit safety regulations. The recent incident at Redhill Peninsula serves as a stark reminder that upscale homes are not immune to natural disasters, and wealthy individuals must adhere to the same rules as everyone else to ensure future safety and minimize the impact of climate change.